Vyvanse is a prescription drug that helps users deal with various mental health issues. The drug also comes with its own set of side effects and risks, which is why you have to be cautious whenever you’re thinking about taking it.
It falls under the stimulant-type drug category, which means it has a similar impact on your brain and body as other drugs in this group. However, there is no evidence that proves
Vyvanse addiction is common among users or that people can get hooked on the drug. Here are some things you should know about Vyvanse and its potential for addiction.
Table of Contents
What is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is an FDA-approved medication used to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This drug is also prescribed to students who want to improve their academics.
It is a stimulant drug that works by increasing certain chemicals in your brain. This causes certain parts of your brain to work better and improves communication between your brain cells.
The drug is available in two forms, including a tablet and an extended-release capsule. The recommended dosage for Vyvanse is 30 mg per day, and it can be taken once per day or in two smaller doses. The extended-release capsule is taken once per day. The drug comes with a coating that makes it resistant to stomach acid and provides a delayed release of the drug in the body.
Vyvanse is generally safe for most people but could cause side effects, including loss of appetite, nausea, and sleep problems. It could also make you feel nervous, irritable, and restless.
How does Vyvanse work?
The drug contains a combination of two active ingredients, lisdexamfetamine and ethylphenidate. These are synthetic compounds that are chemically similar to the natural amino acid called dopamine.
Dopamine is a natural chemical in your brain that helps you feel pleasure and stay focused. Vyvanse increases the amount of dopamine in your brain, which helps to reduce symptoms of ADHD like inattention, impulsiveness, and restlessness.
The drug also increases the amount of another important chemical called serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is thought to play a role in feelings of happiness, contentment, and satisfaction.
Is Vyvanse addictive?
Vyvanse is not addictive in the conventional sense. However, it still comes with a number of risks and side effects. The most common side effects include an upset stomach, headache, loss of appetite, and sleep problems.
When you take Vyvanse, it increases your dopamine levels to improve your attention and focus. However, this could lead to an increase in your blood pressure and heart rate. For this reason, patients who take Vyvanse are advised to avoid consuming alcohol.
The extended-release capsules could be habit-forming because they contain the same amount of active ingredient as the immediate-release tablets, yet they are absorbed more slowly.
The delayed release of Vyvanse in your stomach means that the drug enters your bloodstream slowly over a period of time. This could make you want to take more of the drug at a prescribed dose than you need.
Risks of Vyvanse addiction
Despite the fact that Vyvanse is not as addictive as some other prescription drugs, you should be careful when taking it.
- You might need to take a higher dose of Vyvanse over time. If you do, you should seek medical attention. This could be a sign that the dosage of the drug you’re taking is not sufficient to help you overcome your mental health issues.
- You could develop a mental dependence on Vyvanse. This happens when you feel like you need the drug to function properly. If this happens to you, talk to your doctor about reducing the dosage or discontinuing the drug completely.
- You could experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking Vyvanse after using it for a long time. These symptoms could include restlessness, irritability, stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
How to reduce the risk of becoming addicted to Vyvanse?
If you’re currently taking Vyvanse and want to know if the drug is safe for you, follow these steps:
- Check your prescription to make sure that it is for Vyvanse and that the dosage is correct.
- Write down the dosage that you’re taking and the date you started taking the drug.
- Make sure you have a valid reason for taking the drug. If you have a mental health issue, make sure to follow your doctor’s advice.
- Avoid taking the drug on an empty stomach.
- Avoid taking more than the prescribed amount of the drug.
If you’re taking Vyvanse, you should be aware of the risks involved. If you feel any of the symptoms of an addiction, you should consult with a doctor immediately.
Final Words
Vyvanse is one of the best drugs prescribed to treat both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and attention deficit disorder. It helps the user to stay focused and attentive on important tasks.
The drug comes with a number of benefits, but it also has a few risks and side effects. One of the most common side effects is addiction. You should be aware of the risks of Vyvanse addiction to avoid complications.
